Garage lift recommendations

[01M3Fan]

What do you have and what is your experience?

Starting to shop for a lift - was thinking Bendpack and one of their 2 post lifts - but bottom of the jack blocks on my car are 3.75" off the floor and not sure one will fit... That leaves 4 post with a rolling jack.

Thx!

[Obioban]

If you only have one left, I think a 4 post plus a rolling jack or quick jack is the best option. Having a 4 post lets you stack cars for parking, makes wheels on work (fluid changes, etc), and makes it possible to do anything that required the car to be preloaded. 2 posts have some things there better at, but if you can only have one lift... I think a 4 post is the way to go.

I used to have a 2 post. My current setup is as below. I'll be recreating my current setup at the house I'm building right now.



.. that said, at my new house I'm going to have a 2 bay shop. I'm debating if the second lift should be another 4 post, or a 2 post to have one of each...

[Cubieman]

I 2nd the 4 post w/rolling jack, that quick jack would be a great addition as well.
I use a 4 post and its just fine for most jobs, certain suspension related jobs would be easier on a 2 post but there is generally a way to get it done on a 4.

[Mystic3]

Make a list, weigh your pros and cons.

[Syfon]

A 4 post hoist in my garage is the dream. Maybe once I stop spending copious amounts of money on the M3 I'll buy a hoist haha

[02_lsb]

If you only have one left, I think a 4 post plus a rolling jack or quick jack is the best option. Having a 4 post lets you stack cars for parking, makes wheels on work (fluid changes, etc), and makes it possible to do anything that required the car to be preloaded. 2 posts have some things there better at, but if you can only have one lift... I think a 4 post is the way to go.

I used to have a 2 post. My current setup is as below. I'll be recreating my current setup at the house I'm building right now.



.. that said, at my new house I'm going to have a 2 bay shop. I'm debating if the second lift should be another 4 post, or a 2 post to have one of each...

what brand lift is it? Can you share the cost, installed?

[wahsm]

If you only have one left, I think a 4 post plus a rolling jack or quick jack is the best option. Having a 4 post lets you stack cars for parking, makes wheels on work (fluid changes, etc), and makes it possible to do anything that required the car to be preloaded. 2 posts have some things there better at, but if you can only have one lift... I think a 4 post is the way to go.

I used to have a 2 post. My current setup is as below. I'll be recreating my current setup at the house I'm building right now.



.. that said, at my new house I'm going to have a 2 bay shop. I'm debating if the second lift should be another 4 post, or a 2 post to have one of each...

Is that a quick jack on top of a 4 post? Quick jacks are great. But would prefer a 4 post or 2 post though as they are still not as easy of driving up to the lift and raising the car.

[jbfrancis3]

From a pure maintenance standpoint, I think its difficult to argue with the maximum underside access a 2 post provides. If you need the car settled on suspension for setup, or want to store a car underneath, then I can appreciate the 4 post option. I have a 2 post and have never used a 4 post, so take that for what its worth, but I would make the same decision all day long.

The Atlas BP8000 is suited for low ceiling garages (if that's an issue) and the jack pads are 3 1/2" minimum height. All of those mattered to me so that's why I selected it.

[Obioban]

From a pure maintenance standpoint, I think its difficult to argue with the maximum underside access a 2 post provides. If you need the car settled on suspension for setup, or want to store a car underneath, then I can appreciate the 4 post option. I have a 2 post and have never used a 4 post, so take that for what its worth, but I would make the same decision all day long.

The Atlas BP8000 is suited for low ceiling garages (if that's an issue) and the jack pads are 3 1/2" minimum height. All of those mattered to me so that's why I selected it.

From a maintenance standpoint, most of it is easier with a 4 post. You just drive on and lift the car-- no careful positioning of the car and/or arms, or jacking the car to fit the arms under (if you're lowered).

The only maintenance I can think of that was easier on my 2 post than my 4 post was brake stuff. Even then, sticking the quick jack in isn't particularly more work than positioning the arms used to be.

Other than that, 4 post is easier for maintenance. Fluid changes are way easier, cooling system stuff is easier, and most suspension stuff needs preload-- so also easier.

what brand lift is it? Can you share the cost, installed?

It's a "Direct Lift", but I don't necessarily recommend it-- came with the house.

[foolio]

I have a two post and a scissor lift. Will likely add a 4-post this year. They all have their advantages. I have the scissor because my garage was not high enough before I moved. Then I got the two post as my garage/shop now has plenty of height. Would like to round it out with a 4-post due to the advantages it has to offer not the least of which will be storage of my track car in the winter.

[TexaZ3]

I contemplated this for a long time, eventually went with a 4-post due to ability to store the car under, and not having to worry about suspension hanging. The only thing you can't do on a 4-post is some suspension work, but with a setup like Ians' - there is no limit. I loved my Atlas HD8000 so much, I bought second one.

[F1Dryvr]

What if u wanted to pull the engine, or engien and trans, drop the rear subframe...would the 4 post put up any barriers to that?

[Toby22]

Damn you guys making me jealous. My underbody would be showroom mint if I had a garage/lift like these would make working on the car so fun

[Obioban]

Taking the e36 for a spin is no brief task

[SpaceJockey]

+1 for the Atlas 4 Post. Love mine. Obioban's 4-Post/QuikJack Combo is next level. Got me thinking...